National Launch of HI-CAS project in Nepal

30 March, 2026

Nepal launches landmark gender-responsive climate adaptation initiative to strengthen resilience of rural women and marginalised communities

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), in partnership with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implementing partner Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED), officially launched Nepal’s chapter of the Integrated Climate Adaptation Solution for the Hindu Kush Himalaya Region (HI-CAS). The national launch event, held at ICIMOD headquarters in Kathmandu, marked the beginning of coordinated climate action across Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan under this multi-country initiative.

The project commenced in Nepal in February 2025. Following the completion of its inception phase in January 2026, full-scale implementation began in February 2026. The national launch event brought together representatives from government ministries, provincial authorities, development partners, academia, private sector institutions, and organisations working with women, indigenous peoples, and marginalised communities to develop a shared understanding of the project’s implementation approach at the community level.

Participants discussed the project’s scope, governance mechanisms, and inclusive implementation approach. The discussions emphasised strengthening coordination among government agencies, technical institutions, civil society organisations, and local stakeholders to ensure that adaptation interventions effectively respond to the needs of women, indigenous communities, and populations most vulnerable to climate risks.

Mr. Jaya Mukunda Khanal, Executive Director of CEAPRED, delivered the welcome remarks and provided a brief overview of HI-CAS, including the objective of the national launch programme. He stated that the programme aims to strengthen coordination with government and relevant stakeholders to address the impacts of climate change and promote locally led adaptation planning.

Mr. Rabindra Maharjan, Director General of the Forest Research and Training Centre (FRTC), highlighted the initiatives being undertaken by the Ministry of Forests and Environment on climate change mitigation and adaptation in alignment with Nepal’s National Climate Change Policy 2076. He also noted that the ministry endorsed a 10-year GEDSI Strategy in 2082 and expressed hope that HI-CAS would be implemented in line with the strategic priorities of the ministry.

Teams from CEAPRED and ICIMOD presented the project objectives, planned activities, and progress updates. ICIMOD Specialists also introduced the project’s Integrated Adaptation Solutions Packages (IASPs), which promote climate-resilient livelihoods, ecosystem-based adaptation, inclusive water and energy management, and equitable access to climate services. The presenters underscored the importance of developing solutions grounded in local realities and designed to reduce the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalised women and indigenous peoples.

The launch event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Dinesh Lama, Chairperson of Roshi Rural Municipality. In his address, he highlighted the potential of the HI-CAS initiative to serve as a model project for the region. He emphasised the municipality’s continued engagement with the project since its inception and noted its strong potential to improve the livelihoods of rural indigenous women. He further assured that all concerned local governments are committed to providing the necessary inputs and institutional support to ensure the effective implementation and long-term sustainability of the project.

 

PC: Jitendra Bajracharya/ICIMOD